Breastfeeding and Diabetes: How to Balance Blood Sugar While Nursing

By Alpro Pharmacy

October 25, 2024

Key Points:

Mothers with diabetes face difficulties managing blood sugar levels and preventing hypoglycemia while nursing.
It is essential to monitor blood sugar closely and recognize symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and confusion.
Following a management routine and adopting healthy habits enables diabetic mothers to successfully breastfeed while ensuring both their health and that of their baby.

Breastfeeding is a deeply rewarding journey, but for mothers managing diabetes, it presents unique challenges. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels while nursing is essential for both your health and your baby’s well-being.

Are you confident in managing your blood sugar levels while breastfeeding to ensure the best health for both you and your baby?

Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience, but for diabetic mothers, it can raise specific concerns. A common question many ask is: Can I breastfeed if I have diabetes? The answer is yes—diabetes should not prevent you from breastfeeding. Another common question is: Will insulin affect my baby if I breastfeed while on medication? Rest assured, medications such as insulin and metformin are generally safe for breastfeeding. However, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is vital to ensuring a smooth breastfeeding experience.

One of the biggest hurdles diabetic mothers face is managing hypoglycemia, especially during nursing sessions. Close monitoring of blood sugar before and during feedings is key. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur when breastfeeding, particularly for mothers with diabetes.

Hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar drops below 3.9 mmol/L in people with diabetes. It’s important to treat it quickly with sugary food to avoid serious risks. If left untreated, it can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even be life-threatening.

Recognising Symptoms of Hypoglycemia: It’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to manage them. Watch for these common signs:

Sweating
Shakiness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Heart palpitations
Confusion or irritability
Hunger

A Simple Routine for Managing Low Blood Sugar

If your blood sugar drops while breastfeeding, follow these steps to stabilize it:

Pause Breastfeeding: Stop feeding to focus on stabilizing your blood sugar.

Check Your Blood Sugar: Use your glucose meter for an immediate reading.

Consume Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: If your blood sugar is below 3.9 mmol/L, quickly consume one of the following:

- 120 ml of fruit juice (e.g., orange juice)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey dissolved in water
- 6-8 pieces of hard candy

Recheck Your Blood Sugar After 15 Minutes: If it’s still low, repeat the intake of fast-acting carbohydrates.

Have a Balanced Snack: Once stable, eat a snack that combines carbohydrates and protein (e.g., whole-grain crackers with cheese, yogurt, or a peanut butter sandwich) to prevent another drop.

Rest and Monitor: Relax and keep an eye on your symptoms. If they persist, contact a healthcare professional.

Additional Tips for Successful Breastfeeding with Diabetes

Managing hypoglycemia is just one part of the equation. These extra tips can help you navigate breastfeeding while keeping your diabetes under control:

Eat Before Feeding:
A small, healthy snack before breastfeeding can help prevent blood sugar dips during the session. Healthy snack ideas include a sandwich with lean meat, a boiled egg with toast, or a handful of dried fruit and nuts.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly check your levels before, during, and after feeding, as breastfeeding can cause fluctuations.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water—around 3.8 liters or 16 cups a day. However, remember that increased thirst doesn’t always mean high blood sugar. Stay mindful of both hydration and blood sugar levels.
Avoid Restrictive Dieting: While eating healthy is important, don’t drastically cut calories. Your body needs enough energy to produce milk and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Mama, do you feel more confident now about managing your blood sugar while breastfeeding? With these tips in mind, you can successfully nourish your baby while staying healthy yourself. You’re doing an incredible job balancing everything, and your efforts are ensuring the best for both you and your little one!

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Disclaimer: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your qualified health professional.

Citations

Anderson, P. O. (2018). Treating diabetes during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine, 13(4).

Morales-Brown, L. (2023, April 26). What is the 15-15 rule for treating hypoglycemia? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hypoglycemia-rule-of-15